BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE– “Use alternative contraceptives.”
These words were said by Dr Velephi Okello when addressing the issue concerning shortage of Depo Provera contraceptive in local hospitals.
Dr Okello is the Deputy Director Clinical Services at the Ministry of Health.
“Depo Provera which is an injectable contraceptive is a contraceptive most women love and prefer in Eswatini. We have been receiving the contraceptives however in small batches. This is because our tender for the contraceptive went through late.
“We would like to assure women that we are working on getting more of these contraceptives in larger bulks. In the meantime, we urge women to use alternative contraceptives until the other is made available in all health care centres,” said Dr Okello.
Dr Okello further mentioned there were more 4 other methods of contraceptives available in all hospitals.
“We have two more types of contraceptives which are also injectable. There is also three more which are taken orally as well as implant, intrauterine device (IUD) and condoms. Any of these can be chosen as alternative forms of contraceptives in the meantime. My advice would be to ask medical practitioners who will assist in helping you choose an alternative method for the time being,” said the Doctor.
